Introduction

Traditionally conceived as ontologically related to the state, sovereignty is often regarded as indivisible. Proceeding from a multiscalar standpoint, supported by interdisciplinary research, this chapter argues that sovereignty reveals itself to be a dynamic and functional force, not by assuming an inherent and timeless condition but by investigating instances of practice. Evidencing sovereignty scalar elasticity, this book’s operationalisation of an actor-centred analysis demonstrates how sovereignty is exercised at varying degrees of scale. Ranging from atop, below, adjacent to, or even in place of the state, sovereignty through practice is advocated as an emerging interdisciplinary approach. Going further, employing this approach to understand how scholars of sovereignty themselves practice sovereignty, this chapter expands on the expedient benefits of reflexivity in scholarship on this topic.